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Following back-to-back tough losses at home against the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, the Hornets traveled to Brooklyn Tuesday for a much easier matchup against the Brooklyn Nets who sit 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with an 18-57 record.
Once again, LaMelo Ball got the start for Charlotte, appearing in his 66th contest of the year.
The game also marked Ball's 50th consecutive game played, a new record for the former No. 3 overall pick.
Averaging just 46 games played per season over his first five years, Ball is set to have his second-most durable season after appearing in 75 games during his sophomore campaign (2021-22).
All the while, the former Chino Hills High School product has been performing.
Although his points per game totals are the lowest since his rookie season, he's excelled as a playmaker alongside both Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
With that in mind, Ball is still averaging a respectable 19.7 points, seven assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals.
His play has helped Charlotte to their best record since the 2021-22 season (43-39). The team has also already clinched a Play-In Tournament position, giving them a chance to fight for their first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season where they finished sixth in the conference.
That said, their path may still prove difficult. If the Hornets finish with the ninth or 10th seed, they'll have to win back-to-back road games in order to make the playoffs.
In the meantime, as Charlotte eyes a top-eight seed, they'll face the Suns at home Thursday.
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